Close Your Eyes

11

The group trudged along on the island and reached the ancient stonebridge by nightfall. Clara noticed two large stone eagles on either side. Edmund took the lead, shining his torch for guidance. They walked slowly and cautiously looking for danger. Trees intertwined the entrance to the ruins. They came to a stone table filled with fresh food and candle sticks. The crew stared at the food with a hunger in their eyes.

Tavros reached for the food and mumbled, "Mmm. Food."

Drinian held his hand up. "Wait."

Clara followed Edmund, Lucy and Caspian to the opposite end of the table. In the shadows were three figures. Edmund used his torch to reveal three older men.

Lucy drew her dagger as she inched closer.

Caspian instantly recognised them by their rings. "Lord Revillian. Lord Mavramorn." Lucy pushed the hair away from the third one's face. "Lord Argoz."

Lord Argoz let out a soft breath and Lucy jumped back, feeling startled. She walked back towards the lord. "He's breathing." The group exchanged a confused look.

Edmund shined his torch upon the other two lords. "So are they."

"They're under a spell," Clara realised.

Caspian looked over to the food, guessing that was the reason. "It's the food!" Tavros immediately dropped his apple.

Clara slowly walked towards the three lords and touched the object in the middle. "This is Aslan's Table."

"Their swords," Caspian stated. Edmund, Lucy and Clara each grabbed one of the swords and placed them on the table. Caspian, Lucy and Edmund each unsheathed the swords they had and placed them on the table.

"That's six," Edmund said in a disappointed tone.

"We're still missing one," Caspian informed.

Clara and Lucy noticed a blue star slowly coming towards them and cried, "Look!"

The rest of the crew turned to it as it reached the table. It hovered and then transformed into a young woman. She was wearing a white dress that showed her shoulders. Her platinum blonde hair hung just below her shoulders.

She said in a soft voice, "Travellers of Narnia, welcome." The crew bowed and she motioned for them to stand. "Arise."

"Are you not hungry?" she asked with a smile.

"And you are?" Clara inquired.

She smiled at the Graceful Queen. "I'm Lilliandil, daughter of Ramandu. I am your guide."

The group moved closer to her. Edmund was looking in awe at Lilliandil, which greatly amused Clara.

Lilliandil gestured to the table. "Please. The food is for you. There is enough for all who are welcome at Aslan's Table. Always. Help yourselves." She lifted her hands and the candles lit.

The crew immediately reached for the food and Caspian held his hand up. "Wait. What happened to them?"

Lilliandil glanced at the three lords. "These poor men were half mad by the time they reached our shores. They were threatening violence upon each other. Violence is forbidden at the table of Aslan. So they were sent to sleep."

"Will they ever wake?" Lucy wondered.

Lilliandil gave her a small smile. "When all is put right. Come. There is little time." She turned and the royals walked with her.

The royals followed her towards the edge of a cliff. Without turning, she said, "The magician, Coriakin, told you of Dark Island?"

Caspian and Edmund stood on one side, while Lucy and Clara stood on the other. "Yes," Caspian said.

"Before long, the evil will be unstoppable."

They stared at the island a moment, feeling fear. Caspian continued. "Coriakin said to break its spell, we lay the seven swords at Aslan's Table."

"He speaks the truth," Lilliandil answered grimly.

"But we only found six," Edmund stated. "Do you know where the seventh is?"

Lilliandil pointed towards Dark Island. "In there. You will need great courage."

The four royals exchanged a fearful look and Lilliandil continued. "Now, waste no time."

"I hope we meet again," Clara told Lilliandil.

She turned to her and smiled. "Goodbye." She looked to the sky and transformed into a blue star and shot up into the sky. The four backed away slightly.

Clara sighed. "I suppose that's our next stop."

Caspian nodded as he took Clara's hand. "Let us go face our fears."

They made their way back to Aslan's Table.

They gathered back onto the Dawn Treader, standing with Drinian and Tavros. "So what do you think is in there?" Tavros asked.

"Our worst nightmares," Clara stated, glancing at the island. She could only hope she didn't see her mother.

"Our darkest wishes," Caspian added.

"Pure evil," Drinian stated. "Tavros, unlock the armoury."

"My lord," Tavros replied.

"Archers, prepare yourselves," Drinian ordered.

"Aye, captain!" the archers cried.

"Light the lanterns," Tavros instructed.

Caspian turned to the others. "Let's get ready."

Lucy and Clara made their way to their cabin to get ready. Lucy strapped her dagger and her cordial around her waist while Clara gathered things they might need.

Lucy glanced at Clara. "We will make it through this, right?"

Clara nodded. "I pray so. We've made it through difficult times before. Why should this be any different? Gael, are you all right?"

The smaller girl nodded as she looked between Lucy and Clara. "When I grow up, I want to be just like you two."

Lucy smiled at the younger girl. "When you grow up," she sat next to her and hugged her, "you should be just like you."

In another part of the ship, Caspian and Edmund were getting ready.

After a moment, Caspian spoke. "In case we don't get through whatever this is... I want you to know I think of you as my brother, Ed."

"Me, too," Edmund replied. "Don't worry; if you don't make it out and I do, I'll make sure Clara is well looked after."

"Thank you. I couldn't bear the thought of something awful happening to her."

The two shared a nod and Caspian walked behind Edmund to help him with his armour before saying, "You gave up your sword." Caspian walked away.

"It wasn't mine to keep." Edmund fastened his belt.

Caspian picked up a sword and handed it to Edmund. "Use this."

"But it's..."

"Peter would want you to have it."

Edmund took the sword.

In Caspian's cabin, Lucy and Clara exchanged a look. Clara let out a deep sigh. "It is time."

They walked out to the main deck to prepare for the dangers looming before them.